While reports began to swirl early Wednesday that the Bear were perhaps out of the “Super Mario Sweepstake,” Chicago Sun-Times writer Sean Jensen indicated that Chicago is still very much alive in the race to nab the young pass-rusher.

So is it too soon for Chicago fans to ditch the fantasy of having Mario Williams and Julius Peppers on the same defensive line?

Jacksonville and Seattle: Sleepers?

In La Canfora's report, he said Williams might not be “open to joining a team in rebuilding mode.” But that might not stop Jacksonville from pursuing Williams if he continues to visit teams over the next week.

The Jags have already been active in the first two days of free agency, signing quarterback Chad Henne to a two-year deal and wide receiver Laurent Robinson to a five-year, $32.5 million deal.

And while the Seattle Seahawks might have lost out on the opportunity to scoop up Peyton Manning, the team and their $29.8 million in cap space have redirected their energy into pursuing Mario Williams.

The Seattle Timesreported Monday that the Seahawks are looking to pursue Williams, as well as another high-profile free agent: former Green Bay Packer quarterback Matt Flynn.

Could Houston Still Be Interested?

Naturally, Williams was set to hit the free-agent market after Houston signed Foster to that huge contract.

But NFL Networks Steve Wychebelieves that Houston “will retain” the DE by the end of the free agency frenzy.

While Super Mario is, without a doubt, the most sought-after defensive player on the market, speculation is also rising as to whether or not his level of play over the next couple of seasons will match the hype and the money being thrown his way.

Sports Illustrated writer Don Banks has likened Buffalo’s pursue of Williams to when the team went after Drew Bledsoe some 10 years ago. Williams, like Bledsoe, isn’t necessarily a big difference-maker. Bledsoe had two “uneven” seasons in Buffalo, with the team never making it to the playoffs.

And not to dig at Williams' athletic prowess, but the Texans were able to make the playoffs last season despite Williams being bound to the sidelines with a torn pectoral.